California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Is a Collaborative Effort Between the California Department of Insurance, the Insurance Industry, Community Affordable Housing and Economic Development Organizations, and Community Advocates.

The Investigation Division investigates suspected fraud committed by insurance agents, brokers, public adjusters, bail agents, insurance companies and other individuals and entities transacting the business of insurance who perpetrate fraud against consumers.

California Organized Investment Network

COIN is a collaborative effort between the California Department of Insurance, the insurance industry, community affordable housing and economic development organizations, and community advocates. COIN was established in 1996 at the request of the insurance industry as an alternative to state legislation that would have required insurance companies to invest in underserved communities, similar to the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) that applies to the banking industry. This voluntary program facilitates insurance industry investments that benefit California's environment and its low-to-moderate (LMI) income and rural communities.

High Impact Investment Bulletins: Investments sourced and/or structured by COIN for insurers that are innovative, responsive to community needs, not routinely provided by insurers, qualify as green investments, or have a high degree of positive impact on the economic welfare of low-to-moderate income (LMI) households or areas in California.

Qualified Investments: Insurer investments verified by COIN for their positive environmental impact or social impact to LMI individuals, communities or rural communities in California.

CDFI Programs: The COIN CDFI Tax Credit Program attracts and leverages private capital to fund investments that benefit California's environment, and/or its low-income, reservation-based and rural areas. COIN allocates a state tax credit of 20% on qualified investments of $50,000 or more annually.

Data Calls:

Community Investment Survey (CIS): The CIS data call requires that a specified group of insurance companies provide information related to California green investments, community development investments and community development infrastructure investments to the Commissioner. The CIS data call brings transparency to the amount of capital that insurers hold in these investments. COIN qualifies insurer investments that provide a positive environmental or social impact to low-to-moderate income (LMI) households or areas, as well as rural communities in California and posts information on the COIN webpage.

COIN Advisory Board:

The COIN Advisory Board, consisting of the Insurance Commissioner and several leaders in the insurance industry and economic development sector, provides focus and guidance to COIN, ensuring that its policies and procedures are in keeping with its mission statement. The Board also advises COIN on the best methods of increasing insurance investments while providing fair returns to investors and social and environmental benefits to California communities.

Consumer Education and Outreach Bureau

The CEOB educates consumers on insurance issues and the availability of CDI as a resource to Californians, coordinates and participates in outreach events, and educates consumers through the development and distribution of insurance informational guides both in hard copy and online. The majority of these information guides may be found on the California Department of Insurance Website.

CEOB is located in Los Angeles, and can participate at your program event in most California communities. Complete our Help Us Help You form to request our appearance at your outreach event.

Insurance Diversity Initiative

The Insurance Diversity Initiative was established to encourage diversity on insurer governing boards and increased procurement from diverse suppliers.

Special Projects Division

The Special Projects Division (SPD) administers several ongoing programs such as the Low Cost Auto Insurance Program and the Insurance Diversity Initiative. The SPD also acts as a clearinghouse for new initiatives or high priority projects assigned by the Commissioner which do not have a natural home within the department. The SPD performs targeted research, analysis, implementation and coordination of new developments or initiatives that arise in insurance such as those associated with the creation of autonomous vehicles, the onset of ride-hailing, and the legalization of cannabis. The SPD works to track, coordinate and drive solutions for these projects which cross multiple branches within the department.

On an on-going basis the SPD manages appointments made by the Commissioner to eight advisory boards and committees and also develops a listing of reports mandated by statute or regulation of CDI or the Insurance Commissioner. Additionally, the SPD hosts the Senior Gateway, an inter-agency website designed to provide meaningful resources and information to seniors and their families to inform them about health care and insurance options, and empower them to protect themselves against financial fraud, abuse and neglect.

Statistical Analysis Division

The Statistical Analysis Division conducts data calls mandated by statute and regulation and at the direction of the Executive Team, researches specific, quantitative policy issues. These units identify and measure trends in the industry in order to support the Commissioner's decision-making process. By integrating facts, policy development, planning and research, the Policy and Planning Branch helps solve significant problems faced by consumers, industry stakeholders, and responds to the needs of the Governor and Legislature in a coordinated, efficient fashion.